Closed factory in Ravenna finds new life, reopening in July

A Texas-based pet food company is buying a vacant building in south-central Nebraska to launch a new operation this summer.

Darling Ingredients is opening shop in the Buffalo County town of Ravenna, just north of Kearney.

Dana Dennison, executive director of the Ravenna Economic Development Corporation, says the deal was finalized last month and renovations are already underway at the plant.

“Their goal here in Ravenna is to have a wet food product that they freeze dry and ship off to manufacturing plants to make their own cat or dog food,” Dennison says. “They’re looking right now to have 20 to 25 jobs.” There would be two work shifts initially with the possiblity of adding a third shift next year.

The building was previously occupied by Leprino Foods, which made string cheese and closed in 2013, eliminating 170 jobs.

Dennison says the announcement is outstanding news.

“We’re just thrilled here in Ravenna to have the opportunity to have such a great company like Darling come in, who’s been in business since 1882,” Dennison says, “and to have more opportunities for our residents to find employment and help with tax dollars and more revenue within our community.”

Darling hopes to hold a job fair for prospective new employees in May, with operations starting up in July.